The Frankfort Police Department has never had a building that was constructed as a police department. That’s about to change as the Board of Works gave its final approval Monday night for a new station to be built at 1740 West State Road 28 or just east of Brock Grain.
“I’m so excited about the police department,” said Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets. “I think we’re finally getting there. This has been a long time coming and I’m so appreciative of (Frankfort Police Chief) Scott (Shoemaker) and what he’s done on this. He’s worked really hard. It’s time for us to do it. There’s been money spent and there is nothing really there that has been accomplished. Now, we’re moving on it.”
Shoemaker said they moved into the current police department in 1979 from the old Water Works site where Prairie Creek Park is now. Prior to that, they were housed in the basement of 16 North Main Street which was the old Frankfort City Hall and then utility billing office. In 1979, the post office built a new building on Washington Avenue. The building did not suit their needs 40 years ago and not much has changed since.
Shoemaker was asked how big of a deal it is for his department to be getting a new police station.
“”It’s a big deal,” he said. “When we took this place over 40 years ago, I think we’ve taken down a wall or two and put together some offices for our detectives. But, other than that, nothing has really changed. The new building is going to be a much more efficient building.”
In October, the city approved purchasing the land on West State Road 28 which was owned by the Howard County Community Foundation which is the parent organization for the Clinton County Foundation. Both boards agreed to sell the 7.7 acres for $200,000, which was S40,000 under the appraised value. The city has made one payment of $100,000 to the board and will make the second payment in January 2021 using the existing police budget.
Shoemaker said they are hoping to bid the project in April 2021, with construction to start in July 2021, and a completion date of summer or fall of 2022.
Shoemaker also talked about the budget for this project. Reedy Financial had estimated the design at $613,200. With the reduction in design fees to a total of $550,000 with $110,000 for design coming out of the police department’s 2020 budget, the potential bond has been reduced by $173,200 so far and Shoemaker added he hopes to decrease that even more over the next two months.
Another big item that was dealt with was the extension for Arborwood LLC to continue running The Commons Golf Course.
“The vision that we had for it really came together and we hope to do even more next year,” said Cindy Cacy of Arborwood LLC. “But it’s great to have it fully remodeled and have the grounds be in such good shape. So many people are interested in coming from miles around to get here.”
Cacy added one of the goals for next year is to make the course a destination with The Fox Den Restaurant and the bar. Cacy also said they are planning on adding more outside seats next year.
“We want it to be for the community,” said Cacy. “It’s not just for golf. Our maintenance and grounds supervisor has done a fantastic job this year. He said he’s never seen a golf course that made a 360 degree improvement like it (The Commons) has this year.”
The Commons had an increase of 61.9 percent in rounds play this year as they have reached 17,000 for the year. Memberships include 53 individual and senior members, 12 junior members, three young adult members and 38 Commons pass holders.
Membership prices were approved for next year. They are Individual Golf Membership ($1,000), Senior Golf Membership ($900), Spouse Add-On ($500), Junior Golf Membership ($75), Young Adult Membership ($500), Unlimited Cart Pass ($750), Individual Membership with Cart ($1,750), Senior Membership with Cart ($1,650), Young Adult Membership with Cart ($1,050), Commons Club Pass ($299), Preferred Rates Per Round — 18 Holes Walking ($16) and 18 Holes with Cart ($25).
Senior memberships are for those 60 and above, while young adult is classified as 18 to 23.
“I think they’ve done a fantastic job out there,” said Sheets. “Jesse Cacy is very dedicated to this. He’s done a great job. I’ve heard so many people talk about the shape of the golf course with everything they’ve done with it.”
The City Council also unanimously approved the third and final reading of a resolution for annexation to Interstate 65.
“The next phase is the remonstrance period,” said Sheets. “People affected will be getting certified letters in the mail and a public notice will also be going out.”
Sheets said depending upon what happens during the upcoming time period, the city is hoping annexation becomes official in 2024.